The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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Ideal Weight for a Woman 5ft 6in Tall
For a woman who is 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 55 to 74 kg (8 stone 9 pounds to 11 stone 8 pounds). However, ideal body weight varies based on factors like muscle mass, frame size, and age. This guide explains the healthy weight range for this height, how it compares to average UK weight, and why individual ideal weight differs between women. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your exact measurements.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
Healthy Weight Range for 5ft 6in Women
The healthy weight range for a woman 5ft 6in tall is 55 to 74 kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 8lbs), based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 — the standard NHS healthy weight category. This range assumes an adult with typical body composition.
Breaking this down by using our weight converter:
- Lower boundary (BMI 18.5): approximately 55 kg = 8 stone 9 pounds
- Upper boundary (BMI 24.9): approximately 74 kg = 11 stone 8 pounds
For context, the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 pounds), which falls near the top of the healthy range for this height. If you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds — a healthy weight for you may be 18.5 to 22.9 BMI, equating to roughly 55 to 66 kg (8st 9lbs to 10st 6lbs) for this height. Our BMI calculator can instantly calculate your personal healthy weight range.
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Ideal weight is not one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence what weight is healthiest for you personally:
- Muscle mass: Muscle weighs more than fat. Athletic women may be heavier than sedentary women at the same height with the same BMI — this is not a problem.
- Frame size: Women with larger bone frames may naturally weigh more than those with smaller frames at the same height.
- Age: Muscle mass typically decreases with age, affecting ideal weight.
- Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups have different health risks at the same BMI, affecting individual targets.
Rather than fixating on a single "ideal" number, focus on achieving a weight within the healthy range that feels sustainable for you and improves your health markers. Your GP can discuss personalised targets based on your health history and goals.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
What is the healthy weight range for a woman 5ft 6in in stone and pounds?
The healthy weight range for a 5ft 6in woman is approximately 8 stone 9 pounds to 11 stone 8 pounds (55–74 kg), based on a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9. This range assumes typical adult body composition. If you have a larger frame or more muscle mass, you may be healthy at the upper end or slightly above.
Is the average UK woman weight healthy for someone 5ft 6in?
The average UK woman weighs about 11 stone 3 pounds (71.6 kg), which falls near the top of the healthy range for 5ft 6in. However, average does not mean ideal or optimal — healthy weight is individual. Your GP can help determine what weight is right for your specific health profile.
How does muscle mass affect ideal weight for women?
Muscle tissue is denser and heavier than fat, so women with higher muscle mass may weigh more while still being very healthy. A woman who exercises regularly may weigh more than the "average" but have lower body fat. BMI alone doesn't account for this — this is why our BMI calculator and overall health markers matter.
Do different ethnicities have different healthy weight ranges?
Yes. The NHS recognises that people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage have higher health risks at lower BMI levels. For a 5ft 6in woman from these backgrounds, a healthy BMI may be 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9, meaning roughly 55–66 kg (8st 9lbs to 10st 6lbs).
How can I track my progress towards a healthy weight?
Track progress using our free progress tracker, which records weight changes over time. Also monitor how you feel, energy levels, and health markers like blood pressure. Aim to lose weight gradually (0.5–1 kg per week) for sustainable, healthy loss alongside increased physical activity and balanced eating.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.